Name: Jigna Vyas
Male
Solicitor
Family Law

My name is Jigna Vyas and I was born in 1978. I am a family law solicitor in my third year of practice at McManus Seddon Solicitors in Bradford, a small High Street practice dealing with publicly-funded (Legally-Aided) clients and private clients. I qualified in September 2003 but, because I relocated from Kent to West Yorkshire, I was not entered onto the roll until February 2004.

I read Law at King's College London and graduated with a 2:1 LLB(Hons) in 1999. I took a year out working and travelling and passed the Legal Practice Course with a Commendation at the College of London in 2001. I began my training at a mid-sized High Street law firm in Kent. I was fortunate that my training covered all aspects of a typical High Street practice.
I decided to practice family law at the conclusion of my training in Kent and relocated to West Yorkshire when I started work with my current firm in January 2004.

I advise and represent clients who are going through separation and divorce, from the initial separation issues through to negotiations and ultimately court proceedings, when necessary. The advice and representation includes issues relating to children, for example who the children will live with and how and when they will see the non-resident parent. My work also involves dealing with financial issues, including dealing with how the assets and debts of families are to be divided. I also represent clients who are involved in violent relationships seeking the courts’ and police protection, or clients on the receiving end of such orders. 

There are constant developments in family law, statutory and case law and being up-to-date is important. For example, the new law which allows same sex couples to be “married” and the recent high profile cases involving footballers’ ex-wives receiving substantial payments as part of financial settlements arising out of divorce proceedings. There is, of course, also the media interest in these matters. 

Contrary to popular belief, as matrimonial and family solicitors we advise all clients that court proceedings are the last resort, that in all family cases there are no winners and losers and all attempts are made to find a resolution which is best for the family as a whole, and in particular places any children’s needs first.

My average day can involve meetings with clients, both on the telephone and in person, dealing with correspondence and drafting documents from divorce petitions to statements and affidavits. I often attend review hearings in on-going court proceedings, usually before District Judges in chambers in the County Court, although some take place at the Family Proceedings Courts which are in Magistrates' Courts and can be before Magistrates or before a Clerk who is a qualified lawyer.

However, there is no average day as each day will involve different clients with different requirements. My job is to advise and explain to clients their legal options, the legal system and the current law but a large part of my daily work involves providing a sympathetic ear for clients who are often very anxious and/or distressed.

I would advise anyone contemplating a career in family law to be very aware that the job involves dealing with people who are experiencing very strong emotions and on top of that you have to have a very good knowledge of the law! The job can be thankless and emotionally draining. Most of my clients do not want to have to instruct me and do so as a last resort. So when the matter concludes they are glad never to have to see me again! However, having said that,  it is gratifying to receive “thank yous” from clients whom I have advised and assisted through a difficult period in their lives. This does make my job worthwhile.

In terms of general advice, I know that rejection can be very difficult to deal with and applying for training contracts can involve quite a few rejections but if you really are determined you will make it!

I would also advise solicitors in training or newly-qualified to seek the advice of their colleagues and bosses. Although I have not had a mentor, I have been very fortunate as I have trained with, and continue to work with, very strong, capable solicitors whose knowledge of the law is very useful to trainee and newly-qualified solicitors! I have also been fortunate enough to work with people who are generous with their time and skills but if you are not so fortunate I would still urge never be afraid to ask for help. It is far better to ask than to make a mistake which may negatively affect a client’s case or your own growing reputation.

People often enter the profession with the idea that they are entering a very well-paid career; I have not found this to be entirely true - at least as a trainee and newly-qualified solicitor. However, I have found that job satisfaction does not depend on your income alone and the people you work with, and for, can and do make all the difference!